interleukin
|in-ter-leu-kin|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌɪntərˈluːkɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪntəˈluːkɪn/
immune communication
Etymology
Etymology Information
'interleukin' originates from the combination of 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'leukin' derived from 'leukocyte', referring to white blood cells.
Historical Evolution
'interleukin' was coined in the 1970s to describe proteins that facilitate communication between leukocytes.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to proteins involved in immune response, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a group of naturally occurring proteins that mediate communication between cells, especially in the immune system.
Interleukins play a crucial role in the body's immune response.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45